Enhanced neurostimulation for treating anorexia nervosa

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of two non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), in patients with anorexia nervosa. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active or sham versions of these treatments in a double-blinded manner. The study will take place at the Northside Clinic in Sydney, which specializes in eating disorders and has a high admission rate. The goal is to determine which method is more beneficial for improving psychological and eating disorder symptoms.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged ≥16 years,
* A current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition DSM-5) diagnosis of anorexia nervosa
* Willing and able to participate and comply with study requirements
* Worked or studied in a context requiring some proficiency in spoken English (to ensure validity of neuropsychological testing)
* Under ongoing care by his/her own treating psychiatrist (to ensure patient safety during the study)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Inability to provide informed consent
* Contraindications to tDCS/rTMS
* Failed to respond to an adequate course or rTMS (4 weeks) within the current illness course
* Had ECT in the last 3 months
* MoCA score of \<26
* Significant risk of significant self harm or suicide as assessed by study psychiatrist(s)
* Currently enrolled in another interventional clinical trial or using an investigational device/product

Where it's running

• Northside Clinic
  Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Sloane Madden, Assoc. Prof. — University of Sydney, Ramsay Health Care
• Study coordinator: Donel Martin, Dr
• Email: donel.martin@unsw.edu.au
• Phone: 02 9382 8353

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Specialist Supportive Clinical Management for teens with anorexia or atypical anorexia

  This study tests a teen-focused SSCM approach to help 13-17 year-olds with anorexia nervosa or atypical anorexia nervosa when other treatments haven’t worked or can’t be used.

  Recruiting Karolinska Institutet · Stockholm · NCT07893145

• Identifying Signatures of Gut Interoception in Functional Dyspepsia and Anorexia Nervosa

  This study tests how the gut-brain connection works in people with functional dyspepsia or anorexia nervosa using brain imaging.

  Recruiting Massachusetts General Hospital · Boston, Massachusetts · NCT07772167

• Online FBT-DBT for Caregivers of Teens with Anorexia Nervosa

  This online program tests a combination of family-based and DBT skills to help caregivers of teens with anorexia nervosa manage stress and improve family support.

  Recruiting Shanghai Mental Health Center · Shanghai · NCT07734779

• Eating Disorder Dynamic Intervention

  A digital program is tested to help adults with eating disorders by sending real-time, personalized coping tips based on smartphone surveys and sensor data.

  Recruiting Trustees of Dartmouth College · Lebanon, New Hampshire · NCT07600671

• Hormone and metabolic patterns in hypothalamus-like brain cells from people with anorexia nervosa

  This study will test whether hypothalamic-like neurons made from adult women with long-standing anorexia nervosa respond differently to metabolic hormones than neurons from healthy women.

  Recruiting University of Zurich · Zurich · NCT07580209

• Narrative medicine workshops to support teens and young adults with anorexia nervosa (virtual)

  This program tests whether a six-week series of narrative medicine workshops can help 16–25-year-olds with anorexia nervosa express themselves, reflect, and build resilience.

  Recruiting University of California, San Francisco · San Francisco, California · NCT07579442

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.